Trifonov and the San Francisco Symphony: Rachmaninov

Update: Cancelled

Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony join with soaring pianistic talent Daniil Trifonov to give voice to nostalgic romance, alongside Stravinsky’s breakthrough masterpiece.

Still, in his twenties, Daniil Trifonov has been rapturously greeted as a thrilling presence on the international piano circuit.

Said to possess an ‘uncanny flair’ for Rachmaninov (The Financial Times) Trifonov dives into a Concerto known for its spirit of adventure, absorbing the musical moods of its time from neoclassicism to jazz.

The orchestra presents the complete score of one of Stravinsky’s most popular pieces, The Firebird, which represented an international breakthrough for the 27-year-old composer when he was commissioned by the Ballet Russes to write a Russian-inflected score for a major new ballet. An unknown who had previously arranged some Chopin pieces for the dance company, Stravinsky was impresario Diaghilev’s third and wild-card choice for the job: Rimsky-Korsakov had just died, and an arrangement with Lyadov came to nothing. The ballet’s scenario was drawn up by a committee who included its choreographer and designer. The intention was to ride the wave of Parisian enthusiasm for Russian nationalism, and the concept was a melange of Slavic folk-tales.

Stravinsky came through with a musical triumph: a bold, modern, gorgeously orchestrated work offering engaging drama and appealing folk melodies.

In this concert, the San Francisco Symphony perform the UK premiere of a new work by Adams at Royal Festival Hall, commissioned by San Francisco Symphony and Carnegie Hall.

Programme

Adams I still dance  (UK premiere)
Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.4
– interval –
Stravinsky The Firebird, complete ballet (1910)

Performers

San Francisco Symphony
Michael Tilson Thomas conductor
Daniil Trifonov piano